BOCA RATON – What figures to be an explosively productive wide receiver unit for FAU is losing some of its potency.

Nero Nelson, a key member of FAU’s 2018 signing class, won’t be with the Owls when they open camp and is not expected to play for Florida Atlantic this season, OwlAccess.com has learned.

FAU listed Nelson on its summer roster, indicating he had arrived in Boca Raton. His reason for leaving is unknown.

Nelson originally signed with Mississippi St. out of his school, but played at Copiah-Lincoln Community College instead. Many considered Nelson to be the top junior college wide receiver in the 2018 recruiting class.

Even without Nelson, FAU’s quarterbacks will still have plenty of weapons.

Slot receiver Willie Wright, FAU’s leader in receptions and receiving yards as a true freshman, enjoyed a strong spring and appears ready to reprise his role as a multi-dimensional threat.

Former West Virginia wide receiver Jovon Durante enjoyed a strong spring after sitting out last season following his transfer. A year on the scout team allowed him to build a relationship with quarterback Chris Robison, who will begin the fall battling for the starting spot.

DeAndre McNeal displayed glimpses of brilliance during his first season as an Owl and will look to become a consistent big-play target during his senior season.

A talented unit, the Owls’ wide receiver depth chart may fluctuate during the fall as some players attempt to learn a new system and everyone works to develop a rapport with whichever player, Robison or De’Andre Johnson, wins the starting quarterback job.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp WR Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTWR1Jovon Durante (6-0, 170, R-Jr.): Durante sat out last season after transferring from West Virginia, where he caught 60 passes for 726 yards over two seasons. He developed chemistry with Robison while working on the scout team last season, and became a favorite target of Johnson during the spring. Durante possesses speed, hands and leaping ability. He’s a big play waiting to happen.

John Mitchell (6-4, 220, R-So.): Mitchell missed all of last season after suffering a back injury in fall camp that ultimately required surgery. He caught six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown as a true freshman in 2016. Possessing good hands and size that makes him a target even when covered, Mitchell consistently improved his game throughout the spring.

WR2DeAndre McNeal (6-1, 215, Sr.): The former Texas Longhorn’s FAU career started so promisingly, with 11 catches for 266 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But once FAU switched from Daniel Parr to Jason Driskel at quarterback, McNeal disappeared. He ended the season with 23 catches for 317 yards and two touchdowns, and will need to prove he can be consistent to keep his starting spot.

Pico Harrison (6-3, 185, R-Jr.): Harrison followed his 17-catch redshirt freshman season in 2016 by catching only eight passes last season. He’ll provide depth for the Owls in 2018 and can make plays if given the opportunity.

SLOTWillie Wright (5-8-185-So.): A Conference USA All-Freshman team selection last season, Wright burst onto the college football scene by catching a 95-yard touchdown pass in the 2017 opener against Navy. He quickly became an integral part of FAU’s offense, leading the Owls with 56 catches and 657 receiving yards. Wright also carried the ball 19 times for 149 yards. When the ball’s in Wright’s hands, good things happen for FAU.

Desean Holmes (5-10, 180, Jr.): He’ll start his FAU career in the slot, but can play both slot and wide out. Wright doesn’t appear likely to lose his starting spot any time soon, so if Holmes shows in camp that he can be a playmaker, the Owls may move him outside to give him more opportunities – like they did last season with Kamrin Solomon. Holmes caught 52 passes for 912 yards and seven touchdowns for College of the Canyons last season.

KEY ADDITIONSDesean Holmes: He’s going to have plenty of chances to prove he can make plays. The rapidity with which Holmes learns the playbook will dictate how quickly he can make an impact. It would not be a surprise at all if he draws the start at wide out in the season-opener at Oklahoma. Lane Kiffin and Holmes have a long history. As the coach of Southern Cal, Kiffin offered Holmes, then in middle school, his first scholarship. Expect Holmes to make eye-popping plays in 2018.

Kyle Davis: (6-2, 215, R-So.) The former Auburn Tiger practiced with FAU in the spring, but will have to sit out 2018 in compliance with NCAA transfer rules.

KEY LOSSESKalib Woods: After missing last season’s first six games because of a suspension stemming from his arrest on felony battery charges, Woods rallied to catch 24 passes for 619 yards and four touchdowns.

Kamrin Solomon: Also suspended early in the season for his alleged role in Woods’ incident, Solomon still managed 33 catches – second most among Owls.

John Franklin: After joining FAU as a graduate transfer in August, Franklin caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. He also served as the de facto backup to Driskel at quarterback. Franklin will be most remembered for a premature touchdown celebration in which he dropped the ball inches before crossing the goal line during the Conference USA championship game. The Chicago Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent to play cornerback and return kicks.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEJohn Mitchell: The expectations for Holmes are documented above. Curiosity is nearly as high for Mitchell. The redshirt sophomore has the frame and the skill to be successful in Kiffin’s offense. Does he have the speed? Two years ago Mitchell was on the fast track to FAU stardom. If he’s healthy this year, Mitchell could be the post-hype surprise of this unit.

Devin Singletary isn’t simply FAU’s best back, his combination of strength, shiftiness and vision make him one of the best running backs in the nation – and an underdog candidate for the Heisman Trophy entering the 2018 season.

After splitting time with Buddy Howell as a freshman, Singletary raced and darted to 1,920 yards and an NCAA-leading 32 rushing touchdowns last season. Only three players in NCAA football history ever rushed for more in a single season.

Singletary figures to be the heart of FAU’s offense once again in 2018. The big question is, How does the running back position shake out behind him?

As Singletary’s backup last season, Howell scored five touchdowns and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Now a Miami Dolphin, Howell’s departure left a hole in the Owls’ depth chart.

Injuries further clouded the depth chart during spring practice.

Coach Lane Kiffin spoke glowingly about then-true freshman Tyrek Tisdale last fall, and Tisdale averaged 4.3 yards on his seven carries early last year. But in the third game of the season against Bethune-Cookman, Tisdale suffered a knee injury while returning a kickoff. That knee kept him from competing in spring drills.

Understanding that his Owls would be shorthanded at the running back position during the spring, Kiffin elected to move D’Anfernee McGriff from tight end to running back. Powerful and faster than he looks, McGriff displayed some skill there, but he, too, suffered an undisclosed injury during spring workouts that kept him out of the spring game.

Explosive third-down back Kerrith Whyte remained in that role throughout most of spring, and with Singletary dealing with a mild hamstring issue, FAU elevated little used Gerald Hearns to the first team for the spring game.

Last year Kiffin displayed a reluctance to simply hand unproven players spots on the two-deep, so Hearns, generously listed a 5-foot-8, may well begin fall camp as the second-string running back. But Tisdale and McGriff are bigger backs in the mold of Howell. They should soon surpass Hearns, as might a Malcolm Davidson and B. J. Emmons – a couple of talented newcomers.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp RB Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTDevin Singletary (5-9, 200, Jr.): Last season’s C-USA MVP, Singletary posted video game statistics the likes of which had never before seen at FAU. Currently third on FAU’s career rushing list, Singletary needs only 616 yards to pass Alfred Morris as the Owls’ all-time leading rusher. Last season Singletary averaged 137.1 yards per game. He’ll be looking for a repeat performance while getting the ball from a yet-to-be-determined quarterback, and running behind an unproven, overhauled offensive line.

Tyrek Tisdale (6-0, 210, So,): Kiffin found success last season countering Singletary’ shiftiness with Howell’s power. Like Howell, Tisdale is a bigger back with speed. Several times last season Kiffin mentioned Tisdale as potentially being an NFL running back. If his knee is healthy, this is Tisdale’s spot to lose.

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Kerrith Whyte (5-10, 200): Already a proven back-up, Whyte thrived as a third-down back during his first two seasons. A threat catching the ball and on runs outside the tackles, Whyte averaged 5.0 yards on his 98 carries during his first two seasons. Whyte will find a way to be involved in the offense.

D’Anfernee McGriff (6-1, 215, Jr.): McGriff came to FAU as a wide receiver, but as his bulk increased to more than 230 pounds the Owls switched him to tight end. Spring brought another move. McGriff is an upright runner vulnerable to punishment at the line of scrimmage. He’s also powerful when he gets low, deceptively fast and possesses good hands. Kiffin is looking for ways to incorporate McGriff’s skill set. If other running backs step up, a return to tight end or wide receiver isn’t out of the question.

Gerald Hearns (5-8, 208, R-Sr.): Considering the way spring ended, Hearns could actually start camp as the Owls’ second-string running back, but he’s unlikely to stay there. An energetic presence on the field, Hearns profiles more as a third down back. If other running backs arrive at camp healthy, Hearns will quickly drop on the depth chart.

KEY ADDITIONSMalcolm Davidson (5-10, 180, Fr.): He didn’t arrive in Boca Raton at the same time as most other members of the Owls’ 2018 signing class, but Davidson is on the roster now. The Owls are high on Davidson’s ability to turn any run into a big play. How much playing time he sees might depend on the health and success of the players listed on the above depth chart, and a redshirt season appears to be a strong possibility. However, if Davidson is what the Owls think he is, Kiffin won’t hesitate to give him the ball.

B. J. Emmons (6-0, 235, Jr.): He’s still completing academic work and is not officially an Owl yet, but come August FAU expects him to be in Boca Raton. Emmons played under Kiffin at Alabama before transferring to Hutchinson Community College. He’s strong and explosive, possessing the kind of raw talent rarely seen in a Conference USA running back (except, of course, for his teammate at the top of the depth chart).

KEY LOSSESBuddy Howell: The fourth-leading rusher in program history, Howell signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. He was able to spell Singletary without the Owls’ offense missing a step. FAU will also miss Howell’s personality and unselfishness. He did whatever FAU asked to help the Owls win.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEB. J. Emmons: The pedigree is there. Emmons averaged 4.9 yards on 35 carries as a freshman with the Crimson Tide in 2016 before electing to transfer. He’ll be reunited with Kiffin, his former offensive coordinator. Emmons is the biggest risk/reward candidate in this unit. FAU is expecting him, but fulfilling the academic requirements to transfer from junior collage to FAU, especially this late in the process, often proves more problematic than expected. And Emmons struggled to hang onto the football last season, fumbling seven times and losing four of them. Still, the talent that made him a priority recruit for Alabama remains. Emmons is a wildcard. If he comes up aces, the Owls’ offense will cash in.

BOCA RATON – Another FAU camp, another quarterback battle for the Owls.

Like last season, and to some extent the season before that, the current quarterback battle carries over from the spring. Unlike last season, no signal caller on the Owls roster has ever started an FBS football game.

The two primary contenders for the starting job, De’Andre Johnson and Chris Robison, may lack experience, but they exude talented.

Johnson began his career at Florida St. before transferring to FAU, with a stop at East Mississippi Community College in between. He battled for the starting spot last season and even played a couple of downs in the season opener against Navy before undergoing season-ending surgery to remove blood clots from his arm.

That surgery zapped zip from Johnson’s throws during the spring. While Johnson continued to regain strength throughout spring, he said only about 80 percent had returned by the conclusion of fall practices. He hoped to be full strength by the start of fall camp.

Robison, a redshirt freshman, enrolled at Oklahoma as a high profile recruit but the Sooners dismissed him after an arrest for public intoxication, prompting an immediate transfer to FAU. He’s mobile and has moxie, and there’s no questioning Robison’s arm strength, but he’s still learning the position at the college level.

Both quarterbacks are still adapting the new Lane Kiffin/Charlie Weis Jr. offense, while is similar to what last year’s offensive coordinator Kendall Briles ran but not exactly the same.

FAU also signed Cordel Littlejohn in February. The true freshman participated in summer workouts but stepping into the starting role immediately would represent a huge, unlikely, leap.

And although it’s getting late, FAU could still add one more competitor to the battle. Kiffin unsuccessfully attempted to add a graduate transfer quarterback during the spring, and he’s demonstrated a willingness to add talented transfers when they become available.

Throughout spring Kiffin searched for improved, decisive decision making from his quarterbacks. If Jason Driskel taught observers anything last season, the most physically gifted quarterback isn’t predestined to earn the starting spot. The one who makes the best decisions and takes care of the football will earn that job.

OwlAccess.com Pre-Camp QB Breakdown

DEPTH CHARTDe’Andre Johnson (6-2, 205, R-Jr.): Johnson’s ability to snag the starting role will depend, first and foremost, on his ability get his throwing arm back to the strength he displayed in the spring of 2017. Last fall, and throughout spring, Johnson’s passes often fluttered, leading to interceptions. Johnson’s exciting and elusive with the ball in his hands. As a redshirt junior, he also holds a maturity advantage. When healthy, he’s fun to watch.

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Chris Robison (6-1, 185, R-Fr.): There’s a reason Kiffin assigned Robison jersey number 2: Robison’s playing style bears a strong resemblance to former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. He dazzled at times during the spring, but inconsistent overall play kept the quarterback competition open.

KEY ADDITIONSCordel Littlejohn (6-4, 190, Fr.): The true freshmen signed in February and paid a visit to FAU during spring practices, getting a jump start on his freshman season. The pace of practice and the run/pass balance within the Owls’ offense impressed the youngster, who originally committed to Illinois. He also liked what he saw from the QB battle. “They push one another,” Littlejohn said. “There’s no hate toward each other. It’s all love, all competition. It’s really good.”

Nick Tronti (6-2, 205, R-Fr.): A former Mr. Florida Football, Tronti spent last season at Indiana before elected to transfer to FAU. He won’t factor in the quarterback battle this season, however. Tronti will have to sit out this year in compliance with NCAA transfer rules.

KEY LOSSESJason Driskel: He actually lost last year’s quarterback battle, beginning the season as the third string QB. FAU’s 2016 starting quarterback, Driskel reclaimed the starting spot for the season’s fourth game – a loss at Buffalo. After that game, FAU didn’t lose again. With Driskel in command of the offense, the Owls posted record numbers. Driskel had one more year of eligibility remaining, but announced in the spring that he will forego his final season, graduate from FAU, and put his engineering degree to work.

Daniel Parr: The starting quarterback for the first three FAU games last season, Parr found himself relegated to the bench once Driskel assumed the helm. In search of more playing time, Parr transferred to Duquesne before the spring semester.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATEChris Robison: In truth, whichever quarterback starts will have a chance to pilot what could be a prolific offense, which would garner that player national attention. Robison is the choice here because of his health, his athleticism and the head start he received learning the system while leading the scout team last season. If Robison and Johnson don’t differentiate themselves in the season. Littlejohn might get a shot as the year progresses – especially since the NCAA changed its redshirt rule to allow a player to play any four games in one season and still claim a redshirt year.

Position Primers: Quarterbacks

FAU once again heads into fall camp with a quarterback battle. This time it's between two, maybe three, players who have never started an FBS game.

It’s a big group of specialists to consider – encompassing kickers, punters, kick returners, punt returners, long snappers, and more. Basically, anyone who played on special teams qualifies.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 Special Team Performers

5. Lucky Whitehead (2013-14): Whitehead was destined to appear in these lists at some point, and what better spot than the one that ultimately earned him an NFL career. An explosive punt returner who put a charge into FAU fans every time he touched the ball, Whitehead averaged 15.60 yards per punt return – the most in FAU history. His 23.96 yards per kickoff return are third best in FAU history. He’s also the most recent Owl to return a punt for a touchdown, doing so in 2015. Whitehead parlayed his shake and speed into an NFL career, first with the Dallas Cowboys and later with the New York Jets. He gets the edge here over several players from varying disciplines. Brittney Tellis, the first Owl to return a punt for a TD, holds the FAU record for most punt returns in program history, 78. Kicker Mark Myers was a rock for those first FAU teams. Long snapper Brian Pare was the first former FAU player invited to an NFL camp. Michael Lockley blocked a program-record five kicks, including one on the final play that sealed the victory against UAB in 2010. And we wouldn’t dare not mention that Trey Hendrickson recorded all four of his blocks as a senior.

4. Kerrith Whyte (2015-Present): FAU played 201 games in program history without a kickoff return for a score before Whyte took one back 98 yards in a victory over Louisiana Tech last season. That Whyte broke through the barrier isn’t all that surprising. He earned Conference USA All-Freshmen honors as a kick returner in 2015, when he set an FAU record with 1,002 kickoff return yards. His 1,570 career return yards already place Whyte fourth on FAU’s career list, and he still has two years of eligibility remaining.

3. Dalton Schomp (2013-16): Schomp will always be best known for being the NCAA’s leading punter in 2015, earning All-Conference USA honors. He averaged 48.0 yards per punt that year, benefiting from the Owls employing Ryan Rickel as their pooch punter. During his career, Schomp’s punts traveled 7,326 yards – second-farthest in FAU history. Fifty of them pinned opponents inside their 20. A second team C-USA honoree in 2014, Schomp averaged a program-high 45.0 yards per punt during his career.

2. Mickey Groody (2007-11): An All-Sun Belt selection in 2010, Groody is FAU’s top punter in terms of total punts, 217, and total yards, 9,127. Groody averaged 42.1 yards per punt, which is only second best in program history, but Groody never benefited from having a pooch punter on the team to handle the short, directional punts that cut into a punter’s average. And 59 of his career punts pinned opponents inside the 20. A good athlete with a strong football mind, Groody also served as FAU’s scout team quarterback during 2011’s spring practice.

1. Greg Joseph (2014-17): Points win football games, and no one in FAU history has scored more of them than Joseph. He kicked the most field goals (57) and extra points (165) in FAU history – totaling 336 points. His 109 points in 2017 are second only to Devin Singletary (198) for the most in a single year. Joseph also proved to be a defensive weapon by booming kickoffs through the end zone, pinning opponents in their own territory. Opponents returned only 23 of Joseph’s 101 kickoffs last season. Joseph’s success earned him a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins, where he is currently competing to be the starting kicker.

BOCA RATON – Oddly, and somewhat inexplicably, FAU hasn’t experienced nearly the same success developing safeties as it has coverage guys among the defensive backs.

Only one former FAU safety ever played an NFL down. Training camp invites have been surprisingly rare. FAU experienced a tremendous amount of turnover at the safety position in the period between the Owls’ first two bowl victories and last season’s Boca Bowl title. At times the relative weakness at the position prompted the churn. In other instances, the churn created the weakness.

Either way, it complicated the rankings of the top FAU safeties.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the ranking.

Top 5 FAU Safeties

5. Sharrod Neasman (2012-15): The lone FAU player ever to participate in a Super Bowl started his Owl career slowly – he was a walk-on – but 134 of his 139 career tackles came in his final two seasons. One of the smartest players ever to don an Owls helmet, Neasman served as a team captain in 2015, and played in the Tropic Bowl All-Star game that year. Neasman ultimately signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. While his tenure at FAU doesn’t exactly qualify as “spectacular,” Neasman is likely the best safety the Owls ever produced. He beats out Taheem Acevedo, with his nine interceptions and 175 tackles, by a spider’s thread. Heavy hitter Damian Parms recorded 186 tackles and nearly all of them were physical. Coach Lane Kiffin believes Zyon Gilbert, who recorded 52 tackles last season as a true freshman, has the look of a future pro.

4. Greg Joseph (2005-08): The first Greg Joseph to play for the Owls recorded 221 total tackles while part of the Owls’ first two bowl teams. His 102 tackles in 2008 were second only to Frantz Joseph among Owls. Joseph only grabbed two career interceptions, but he did have 8.5 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles.

3. Kris Bartels (2004-07): Here’s where the fun begins. Bartels severed as a battering ram, allowing FAU’s defense to ferociously announce its presence during that transition to FBS football. He came to FAU as an undersized walk-on but still registered 220 tackles, nine of which went for loss. Selected as FAU’s 2006 Defensive MVP, Bartels returned an interception for a touchdown in 2005 and again the following season. Bartels only recorded three career interceptions, but he returned two of them for touchdowns. He now serves as the analyst on FAU football radio broadcasts. Now, let the dinner table fun begin, because the next highest-ranked safety is…

2. Marcus Bartels (2007-11): Luckily we didn’t have to make this decision while in the same room as the Bartels brothers. Marcus was every bit as tough as Kris, and he led the Owls with 112 tackles in 2009 – second most in the Sun Belt Conference that year. He followed that season with 104 tackles, and his 287 career tackles make Marcus the lone defensive back among the Top 5 tacklers in FAU history. Marcus also earned second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2010, an honor his brother never received. FAU thought so highly of Marcus’ contributions that when the Owls opened their new stadium in 2011, his likeness appeared on one of the giant decorative banners. Before the Stoshaks arrived in Boca Raton, the Bartels were the first family of FAU football. Long live FAU’s first family!

1. Jalen Young (2015-Present): Fans have one more year to watch the best safety in FAU history before he soars to the NFL. Strong, fearless, intelligent and fast, Young’s seven interceptions last season tied for second-most nationally. His 246 career tackles rank eighth in FAU history, and he figures to leave FAU as its most prolific tackling defensive back of all-time. Young’s 12 career interceptions are third most in program history, and he returned one of them for a touchdown. A member of Conference USA’s All-Freshman team in 2015, Young earned All-Conference USA honors last season. With another season like the previous two, Young could leave FAU as one of the three greatest defensive players ever to patrol Howard Schnellenberger Field for the Owls.

When discussing the Top 5 ranking of FAU’s cornerbacks, one former player suggested simply making the list a Top 10 – there are that many good choices. Three players on the list either played or still play in the NFL. The others two attended an NFL camp. And the Owls have at least three potential NFL players on their current roster.

Those considerations, plus some impressive interception and tackle totals, induced a spirited ranking of FAU cornerbacks.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 FAU Cornerbacks

We’re Cheating: We’d normally list the players close to achieving the Top 5 following our reasoning for the selection of the player at No. 5, but there are simply too many such players this time. We didn’t want to take away from the accomplishments of the player who landed at No. 5. Therefore, we’re listing the players in consideration for sixth through tenth in no particular order. Players like Lawrence “Flash Gordon, who picked off two passes and registered 148 tackles before launching a substantial CFL career. Raekwon Williams was on pace to be a Top 5 selection before a knee injury prematurely ended his senior season and career in 2017. Tavious Polo intercepted 11 passes – fourth most in program history – but many of those came from being in the wrong place at the right time. Current nickel Herb Miller is a big hitter who’s always near the ball. Current corners Chris Tooley and Shelton Lewis already have four career interceptions apiece and could easily jump into the Top 5 with a good season or two. Miller, Tooley and Lewis could all be NFL players in the coming years.

5. Corey Small (2004-08): Small somewhat quietly enjoyed one of the best careers of any FAU football player. Small’s 13 interceptions are second most in program history, with one of them coming off Florida’s Tim Tebow in 2007 – that year’s Heisman Trophy winner. The 32 passes he defended ranks third. He also forced three fumbles and FAU credits him with 238 career tackles. A leader on FAU’s first two bowl teams, Small earned an All-Sun Belt selection in 2008, a year after being a second-team performer. Following his college career Small played in the Texas Vs. The Nation collegiate all-star game before receiving an invitation to Washington Redskins camp.

4. Cre’von LeBlanc (2012-2015): A starter as a true freshman, LeBlanc primarily played the nickel spot during his FAU career. A lockdown cover corner who wasn’t afraid to hit, LeBlanc picked off nine passes – tied for ninth in program history – and recorded 180 tackles during his career. LeBlanc was a second-team All-Conference USA selection in 2015 and received an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game. Undrafted, LeBlanc first signed with New England as a free agent, before finding a home with Chicago. In his first two seasons as a Bear LeBlanc registered 54 tackles and picked off two passes.

3. Willie Hughley (2002-05): The top coverage man on those early FAU teams, Hughley snatched what is still a program-high 15 picks during his Owls career. He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns – also a program high. Five of Hughley’s picks came in 2003, as the Owls raced to the FCS semifinals. Six more came the following season when FAU began its transition to the FBS level. FAU credits Hughley with 213 career tackles and, in 2005, he joined linebacker Shomari Earls as the first two FAU All-Sun Belt selections. The Cleveland Browns signed Hughley as an undrafted free agent following his senior season, but he didn’t make their regular season roster.

2. Keith Reaser (2010-2013): This is a case where the statistics don’t tell the whole story. Reaser’s interceptions and pass break-up totals might seem low, but that’s because teams simply didn’t throw his way. His coverage was that good. Reaser recorded five interceptions during a career shorten by two knee injuries. His 19 passes defended are tied for eighth in program history. Reaser also recorded 154 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown against WKU in 2012. A fifth-round draft choice by the San Francisco in 2014, Reaser played 2 ½ seasons with the 49ers before completing last season in Kansas City.

1. D’Joun Smith (2011-2014): Here’s another example where there’s more to a career than the stats. Smith didn’t have as many interceptions as Hughley or Small, but those stats only begin to indicate how well he played at FAU. Though he only intercepted nine passes, Smith returned two for touchdowns, including one in the 2013 upset of South Florida. Smith’s 38 passes defended are second most in FAU history. A first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2013, teams simply didn’t throw his way the following season – and he still earned second-team all-conference honors. FAU named Smith its Defensive MVP following his senior season. Indianapolis made Smith the highest drafted Owl in program history by selecting him in the third round of the 2015 draft with pick No. 65 overall. His professional career hasn’t exactly been smooth – he’s already played for the Colts, Lions and Titans – but that doesn’t diminish Smith’s contributions at FAU.

BOCA RATON – Considering the strength of FAU’s middle linebacker list, one would assume that the list of candidates for the top outside linebackers would also be deep. After all, there are twice as many to outside linebackers to choose from, right?

It didn’t work out that way. Sure, there are some great players at the top of this ranking, but rounding out the Top 5 forced some deep digging. FAU’s tactical move to play more nickel defense in recent years, often in place of the base 4-3, also complicated the choices. For these purposes, nickel backs are considered among the subset of cornerbacks.

Outside linebackers blitz, drop into coverage and pursue the ball on the ground. To accomplish all three tasks, a player has to be strong, fast and intelligent.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 FAU Outside Linebackers

5. Andre Clark (2004-08): A steady performer for those first two FAU bowl teams, Clark’s 252 tackles rank seventh on FAU’s career list. He recorded 10 tackles against Clemson in 2006 and registered seven tackles in the Owls’ New Orleans Bowl victory. Clark gets the nod despite George Allen taking away some playing time in the latter years. He edges Tyrone Higgins and his 219 tackles in the Owls’ first four years. Current Owl Rashad Smith is well on pace to nab this spot.

4. Chris Laskowski (2001-04): The heart of those early Owls on defense, Laskowski’s 295 tackles remain fourth most in program history. His 31.5 tackles for loss are third most in FAU history. Laskowski participated in the 2004 Hula Bowl and signed as an undrafted free agent with Indianapolis following his career, but spent his career on the practice squad.

3. Adarius Glanton (2012-13): There’s a strong case that Glanton, who recently changed his name to Adarius Taylor, is the best outside linebacker to come through FAU. A JUCO transfer under Carl Pelini, Glanton recorded consecutive 75-tackle seasons during his time at FAU. He intercepted two passes in 2012, returning one for a touchdown. Glanton is about to enter his fifth NFL season, his fourth with Tampa Bay after beginning with Carolina. Glanton’s looking like he’s a better NFL player than he was in college.

2. Randell Johnson (2010-13): From a physical skill standpoint, Johnson stands with Michael Lockley as the most gifted Owls ever to play linebacker at FAU. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Johnson brought speed and power to the field. Injuries and the adjustment to Carl Pelini’s new system limited Johnson to 185 tackles during his career. His 29.5 tackles for loss do rank fifth in program history. The Buffalo Bills selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Johnson played two seasons with the Bills before moving to the New York Jets.

1. Cerge Sincere (2003-07): A former walk-on who played his way to a scholarship, Sincere led the Owls in tackles in 2006 and was second the following year en route to a total of 276 career tackles – sixth most all-time at FAU. A big hitter, Sincere’s eight forced fumbles ties Trey Hendrickson for most in FAU history. Sincere’s 118 tackles in 2007 propelled him to a first team All-Sun Belt selection and the Hula Bowl collegiate all-star game following that season. Sincere didn’t make it to the NFL like the previous two players on this list did, but his college career was simply better than theirs. That’s how Sincere climbed to the top of this ranking.

BOCA RATON – Often referred to as the quarterback of the defense, many of the middle linebacker’s responsibilities occur before the ball is snapped. He needs to read the offensive formation and often change defensive alignment to ensure the players around him are in the proper spot.

Once the ball is snapped, the middle linebacker needs to get to the ball. The Top 3 tacklers in FAU program history played (or play) middle linebacker. Who did the best job manning the position?

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 FAU Middle Linebackers

5. David Hinds (2009-12): Recorded a career-high 104 tackles in 2011 as a junior – the year FAU switched to a 3-4. He followed that with 80 more as a senior, when the Owls switched back to a 4-3. Hinds recorded 19 tackles for loss and forced four fumbles during his FAU career, then embarked on a three-year stint with Ottawa in the CFL. Shomari Earls, who played both inside and outside, and registered 87 tackles in 2005 en route to becoming an All-Sun Belt selection, nearly claimed this spot. Earls played arena and Canadian football after FAU.

4. Michael Lockley (2006-10): An absolutely freakish athlete, Lockley played in 50 games, registering 234 tackles – 10th most all-time at FAU. Lockley began his career as an outside linebacker, before moving inside in 2009. The 120 tackles Lockley recorded in 2010 are the fourth most in a single season by an Owl. He was a second-team All-Sun Belt selection following that season, earning an invitation to the Eastham Energy Bowl collegiate all-star game. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent and became the first former FAU defensive player to play in an NFL game.

3. Andrae Kirk (2011-14): A student of the game, Kirk registered at least 70 tackles every year for FAU en route to 332 career tackles – third most all-time. Kirk lived in the film room, essentially becoming another coach in meeting rooms and on the field for the Owls. Kirk was also one of FAU’s best pass covers in program history – regardless of position. He’s the only non-defensive back listed among the Owls’ Top 10 for passes defended. If Kirk had better hands, he would have doubled, maybe tripled, his three career interceptions. Kirk earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2013, jumping to the first team the following season. After the 2014 season he played in the 2014 Medal of Honor collegiate all-star game.

2. Frantz Joseph (2006-08): Those who played with and coached Joseph will often say he was the best middle linebacker they saw. It’s easy to see their point. A tackling machine who began his career at Boston College, Joseph’s 154 tackles in 2008 are the single-season high in program history. His 131 tackle the year prior are the third most. FAU concluded both of those seasons with a bowl victory, and in 2008 Joseph was the Motor City Bowl Defensive MVP. He earned All-Sun Belt honors in 2007 and 2008. Joseph signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent following his senior season, but didn’t play in a regular season game.

1. Azeez Al-Shaair (2015-Present): Concluding that Al-Shaair still had a little work to do to claim the top spot would have been an easy punt. After all, he still has one year of eligibility remaining and there wouldn’t have been much uproar had Joseph grabbed the top spot, as many believe he deserves. But an honest assessment lands Al-Shaair at No. 1. With 354 tackles, Al-Shaair already has the most in FAU history. His 147 last season – playing most of the year with an elbow that would require offseason ligament replacement surgery – were the second most in a season by an Owl. And that followed a 113-tackle season. As a freshman, Al-Shaair earned USA Today and C-USA All-Freshman honors and last season he was an All-Conference USA choice. Al-Shaair could have turned pro following the 2017 season but elected to return for his senior year. He needs 12 tackles for loss to tie Trey Hendrickson for the most in program history. And none of that touches on Al-Shaair’s leadership in the locker room – which is unquestioned. Earlier this summer Al-Shaair earned the Wilma Rudolph award, presented to college athletes who have overcome “great academic, and/or emotional odds.” Al-Shaair is the real deal. And he’s already the best middle linebacker in FAU history.

BOCA RATON – Quarterback sacks can be game changers, but defenses can’t be successful if they don’t stop the simplest of plays first – the run up the gut. One common trait shared by all three FAU bowl teams is that they forced offensives to go the long way for scores.

Today we examine the guys responsible for clogging the middle, ranking the Top 5 defensive tackles in FAU program history.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 FAU Defensive Tackles

5. Steven Leggett (2015-Present): Partnered primarily with Jeremiah Taleni, Leggett proved to be an immovable object on last season’s FAU team that won 11 games, the Conference USA championship and the Boca Raton Bowl title. Leggett saw game action at one of football’s toughest positions as a true freshman, started the past two seasons and still has one year of eligibility remaining. He’s already amassed 75 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss (2.5 sacks) – statistics that will only grow larger in his senior year. Jarvis Givens and Dino Cox received consideration here.

4. Shalom Ogbonda (2012-16): The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder finished his career strong – recording 17 of his career total 106 tackles during his final two games in an FAU uniform. Ogbonda parlayed his 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks into a training camp tryout with the New York Jets following his FAU carer.

3. Jervonte Jackson (2005-08): FAU’s big man in the middle of its first two bowl teams, Jackson is credited with 153 tackles during his career. He made 13.5 of those tackles in the backfield – 6.5 of them being sacks – and twice earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors before being promoted to the first team in 2008. Jackson signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles following his graduation, but didn’t make the regular season roster.

2. Brandin Bryant (2012-15): Arguably the most athletic player ever to play defensive tackle at FAU, Bryant recorded 121 tackles, including 27 for loss – the latter of which ranks sixth in program history. His 13.5 career sacks rank fourth at FAU, with five of those sacks coming as a senior. Bryant’s impact at FAU would have been even greater had he not battled knee injuries. After leaving FAU Bryant spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Jets. He’s currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL.

1. Trevon Coley (2012-15): A four year starter for the Owls, Coley tallied 195 tackles during his FAU career. His 12.5 sacks tie for fifth in FAU history and are part of his 22 tackles for loss. Coley also had a nose for the football, recovering four fumbles, forcing two more and even intercepting a pass. Coley earned All-Conference USA honors following his senior season along with an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game. FAU’s best defensive tackle ever signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, where he registered 41 tackles, including two sacks, as a rookie.

BOCA RATON – We’re changing sides of the ball but staying in the trenches. FAU’s produced its share of athletic defensive ends since the program’s inception. We’re ranking the best of them here.

While considering the best of the best at FAU, players were judged on their performance (statistics), what they meant to their team and sheer physical talent. As part of our research for this list we consulted with former players, former coaches and media members who’ve covered the Owls. Reaching the NFL is an indicator of talent, but players who played professionally weren’t necessarily placed above some who didn’t.

With that in mind, let’s get to the list.

Top 5 FAU Defensive Ends

5. Ramon Rickards (2001-04): FAU’s first sack artist, Rickards harassed quarterbacks, dropping them 15.5 times during the program’s early years. Rickards stood alone atop FAU’s sack list for nine years, and that total remains the third most in FAU history. Undersized at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Rickards didn’t seem opposing – until opponents tried to block him. Following his 2006 untimely death in a motorcycle accident, FAU honored his memory by creating the Ramon Rickards Bone Award, presented annually to the Owls’ biggest hitter. Had the career of Josh Pinnick, a 2006 All-Sun Belt selection, not been derailed by injury, he would have made the list. Martin Wright is also in the discussion. Surprisingly enough, so was current WPTV sports anchor Jason Pugh (“The Beast of the Anchor Desk”) – a three-year letter winner in the early years.

4. Kevin Cyrille (2009-11): The premier pass rusher on Schnellenberger’s post-bowl teams, Cyrille was also tough enough to play some nose tackle when the Owls switched to a 3-4 defense for the 2011 season. After transferring to FAU from Western Michigan, Cyrille recorded 26.5 tackles for loss in three seasons – ninth most in a career for an FAU player. The 9.5 sacks rank 10th all-time. His 9 quarterback hurries in 2011 tie with Hunter Snyder for the most in a single season.

3. Hunter Snyder (2014-Present): Long, strong and fast, Snyder still has one year of eligibility remaining but has already entrenched himself in the FAU record books. His 12.5 career sacks are tied for fifth. The career FAU sack record is probably out of reach, but with four sacks in his redshirt senior season Snyder will stand alone in second. The 106 yards lost on those sacks is already second most among Owls. He’s recorded 112 career tackles and may may well pass everyone else on this list by the time Conference USA play begins. Considering how many pass rush opportunities Lane Kiffin’s offense should provide for the defense in 2018, if this list is repeated next summer Snyder will probably jump up another spot.

2. Cory Henry (2010-13): An outstanding athlete, Henry graduated as FAU’s career sack leader. His 16 sacks were a half sack better than Rickards. Henry’s 27 overall tackles-for-loss tie him with Brandin Bryant for sixth overall in program history. He earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2013 following his 7.5 sack campaign. Though Henry was primarily a defensive end, he did play some outside linebacker in 2013. He was the Most Outstanding Player in the 2013 Shula Bowl, and played in the 2014 Medal of Honor collegiate all-star game. After college, Henry signed with the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks.

1. Trey Hendrickson (2013-16): Easy decision here. The 2016 Conference USA Defensive MVP is FAU’s career leader in sacks – by 13.5. To put that number in perspective, only Henry and Rickards have more than 13.5 sacks in their careers. Hendrickson recorded a program-record 13.5 sacks and also forced five fumbles as a junior to earn All-Conference USA honors. Despite being double- and triple-teamed on every play as a senior, Hendrickson still managed 9.5 sacks en route to being named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Hendrickson also blocked four kicks as a senior. He’s preparing to enter his second season with the New Orleans Saints, who made Hendrickson their third-round pick in 2017. He also played some fullback as a senior – and the ultra-competitive Hendrickson is likely perturbed that he wasn’t listed as a Top 5 running back, too. That drive is a large reason he’s so successful.

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